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The brunette nodded and jumped on her feet, grabbing one of the brushes on the tables to start sweeping around Eden’s cheekbones. Yet, they were all waiting, so Jack started talking, grabbing his lipstick.
“Fine, fine... They say the old man ain’t doing too well lately. That’s why. Those bastards who already know about this are all leaving the area before it gets ugly, I bet.”
All the girls began worrying for real. Next to Xixi, June dropped her kôhl, looking panicked. The twins exchanged worried looks too, and even Rose lost a bit of her usual haughty stance. Eden shook her head.
“What will happen, then? Will someone else take over this territory? What about the deals with the Core? The mayor can’t do anything?”
“It’s Chicago, babe. You know that the mayor ain’t gonna do nothing! She probably doesn’t give a damn what happens outside of the Core. We just gotta hope we’re not going to get a piece of shit that’s worse than Old Man Long. Either some young punk takes his place as the new Dragon, or–”
“Another one of the Zodiacs could take over?” asked Xixi, nervously playing with her braids. “If we get under the Russians, I’m leaving now!”
“...Or the Yakuza,” whispered her sister Minnie.
“Hey, hey!” Jack exclaimed. “Everybody, calm down. Girls, the old man ain’t dead yet. He’s still alive, and everything is fine, a’right? We got a business to open, and I need all your pretty faces and booties ready for showtime. So everybody finish getting ready now.”
He sighed and turned toward Eden, but behind him, all the young women were still whispering, forgetting all about their makeup and preparation. Unlike her colleagues, Eden was looking more sour than worried. Jack glanced at Bella, who got the message, and nodded before going back to her spot. He then turned to Eden, grabbing her shoulder.
“Come on, honey, come with me upstairs while we let the pretties get ready.”
Eden nodded and followed him upstairs.
The bar was ready to be opened, the pink neon signs all lit up, and the tables were dressed up. Jack got behind the bar and took out a little box. It was as if a switch had been flipped once they arrived on this floor. His whole mannerism became more feminine, and his accent disappeared as his voice changed into something more polished and gentler.
“I’ve got a little something for ya, honey.”
Eden frowned, but when he opened the box, her eyes suddenly lit up. She grabbed it, staring at the contents with a wide smile.
“Thanks, Jack!”
“It’s nothing, honey. To be honest, these probably aren’t going to sprout either. You know everything that comes from the Core is fucked up, all genetically modified...”
Eden didn’t care. The little lemon seeds in front of her were enough to give her a little hope. Jack loved Eden exactly for this. Unlike him, she was one of those precious souls that still lit up at the tiniest bit of hope they could find. He was happier already just seeing her smile. He sighed and took out his bottle of whisky, pouring two drinks.
“...What’s going on, honey?”
Eden’s smile disappeared as she glanced up, knowing exactly what he meant. She and Jack knew each other too well already. She picked one of the stools to sit on, careful about her long dress, and took one of the glasses.
“It’s Mom.” She sighed. “I really need more money, fast.”
“Oh no... What about last time?”
Eden shook her head.
“They said they’re trying something else, more... costly. Of course, I agreed.”
Jack sighed, grabbing his whisky and swirling the gold drink around, his lips pouting with a sorry look.
“Honey... you are the best daughter your old mama could have, but... that’s too much, Eden. Too many sacrifices, hun. You’re going to tire yourself out, maybe for nothing. You know that old mama of yours wouldn’t want that.”
“She’s all I got left, Jack.”
“It’s Jacquie on this floor, honey. But, anyway... you got me too, alright?”
Eden smiled, but this one lacked a bit of warmth. Jack was genuinely worried for the young woman. Eden was too young, and she was literally sacrificing herself to save her poor mother. Kindness was a luxury that people living in the Dragon’s district couldn’t afford these days.
“...Can you give me another shift?”
“No... you’re full this week. That goddamn system ain’t gonna allow me to give you anymore. Don’t even try looking elsewhere, Eden. Your stupid SIN’s gonna get all wonky again.”
